She was absolutely wonderful -- I think I've seen every show she's ever done, & own nearly all her books. The first "gourmet" things I ever made came out of her books, because of her shows. And I still rely on her recipes & techniques all the time.

Her long and pretty darn healthy life is the best argument I can imagine for ingesting all the rare red meat, real butter, French pastries and good wine you can get your hands on. I'm a whole-grain type for everyday, but for special occasions, I still pull out "Mastering The Art of French Cooking" and go to town. To hell with vegan diets and fake low-fat, sugarless nonfoods; live to eat well!